Anwar: No rush for me to join Cabinet, become PM (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: Free man Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he will take some time off from politics and spend time with his family following his release from prison today.
While he did not provide a time frame, the Pakatan Harapan de facto leader said he would not involve himself in cabinet matters for the time being and was not in a haste to take over as the country's prime minister from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Anwar said he would give his full support to the current premier and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also his wife, to run state matters and ensure the reform agenda is upheld.
"I have informed Mahathir, it's better for him, Wan Azizah and the team to continue (with their work), and allow me to take some time off for the family.
"I think Mahathir will certainly welcome that sort of decision, because I have already told and assured him that I will be kept informed, and I will of course remain interested with what's happening.
"But I don't need to serve the cabinet for now. I don't think I would also want to be seen to be hasty to demand or insist for an immediate time frame over the question of me taking over as the prime minister," he said.
Anwar said this to some 100 reporters who were present for his press conference held at his personal residence, here, today.
Anwar was earlier today given a full pardon by the Yang Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, following a meeting and on the advice of the Federal Territories Pardons Board.
He had been serving a prison sentence since Feb 10, 2015, after he was adjudged to have been guilty of sodomy. He had however consistently pleaded his innocence.
Anwar, who is also PKR de facto leader, said apart from spending time with his family, he would be travelling to several countries to deliver a series of lectures on democracy and the voice of moderation, after receiving invitations from a number of renowned universities.
"I will travel quite a bit, as I have given my commitment to a few speaking engagements. I think I have a small contribution to make, and I think I need that time and space which is more significant," he said.
On what role he would be playing for the government now, Anwar said: "I'm not the prime minister. In our system, our premier, Mahathir, has given assurance that he will consult other party leaders (on any decisions).
"I have given him some minor views for his consideration, but I will have to accept when someone has to decide on a certain matter," he added.